The Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes has thanked fans for their support after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

In a message on the band’s official website, he said he would “never” be able to repay people’s gratitude.

Brookes is currently undergoing treatment in the UK after he collapsed on stage at a gig in the US on September 15.

Speaking about the incident for the first time, he said his recovery felt like the “mother of all seesaws”.

Brookes described the night of his collapse in full detail, saying he could feel the “panic spreading across my frozen body”.

He also apologised to anyone who “had to witness such a painful display”.

Brooke, who is expected to rejoin the band on their forthcoming Australian tour, said he was optimistic for the future.

“I have the best chance of rebuilding my life now and will always have one eye on the lookout for those strange lights,” he wrote.

“But knowing that love is the key and I wouldn’t be here without it… It is with the deepest thanks I can express that I will hopefully be back to my old self and be returned to full heath with the ongoing treatment I am to receive.”

The Charlatans released their latest album ‘Who We Touch’ last month. Brookes has temporarily been replaced by The Verve's Pete Salisbury.

(by Jason Gregory)